Rama: Adaptability key for Albania’s garment industry amid EU integration process
Prime Minister Edi Rama highlights the importance of transformation and adaptability for Albania’s fason industry during the presentation of the national program preparing businesses for European Union integration. Rama presents leather-processing entrepreneur Etleva Laro’s company as an example of a business that successfully adapted to new economic challenges. He says …
Balla and Hoxhaj discuss Kosovo justice, EU integration, and regional security
Socialist Party parliamentary group leader Taulant Balla meets with Kosovo MP and former Foreign Minister Enver Hoxhaj at the Albanian Parliament to discuss key regional issues. During the meeting, Balla and Hoxhaj address the legal proceedings against former Kosovo Liberation Army (UÇK) leaders in The Hague, emphasizing the importance of …
Medieval Center of Berat: A Journey Through the City’s Ottoman Past
Berat attracts large numbers of tourists, and visitors often outnumber locals in its historic quarters such as Mangalem, Gorica, and the Castle area. First, the article shows how tourism now shapes daily life in the city, while residents themselves continue to rediscover parts of their cultural heritage. Next, the restored …
Ambassador Bergner: Germany supports Albania’s EU integration process and rule-of-law standards
TIRANA, July 6 – German Ambassador to Albania, Karl Bergner, said on Monday that Germany supports Albania’s path toward European Union integration. He underlined the importance of shared European values during remarks on the country’s reform process. Bergner said Albania’s citizens broadly align with EU principles. He stressed support for …
National programme aims to boost business competitiveness for the European single market
TIRANA, July 6 – A national programme for preparing businesses for European Union integration was presented on Monday in Tirana. The initiative aims to support Albanian enterprises in adapting to the European single market. Economy and Innovation Minister Delina Ibrahimaj said Albania is carrying out extensive reforms to meet EU …
Electricity demand rises in summer as Electricity Distribution System Operator upgrades power grid in Durrës
TIRANA, July 6 (Monday) – The Electricity Distribution System Operator (OSHEE) has completed works on several key sections of the electricity network in Durrës. The company said the interventions aim to strengthen the security of electricity supply. OSHEE Group, the Albanian electricity distribution company, said the works covered the Currila …
Marubi Museum expands exhibition programme for anniversary year
TIRANA, July 6 – The Marubi Museum continues to welcome visitors with the exhibition “Gjon Mili: Retrospective”, part of its 10th anniversary programme. The institution said it will host more exhibitions than usual this year. Museum director Luçjan Bedeni said visitors will have access to new exhibitions in the coming …
Sovereign guarantee and financing package to support businesses preparing for EU single market
TIRANA, July 6 – Prime Minister Edi Rama said on Monday that the government will support businesses as Albania advances toward European Union membership. He spoke during the presentation of a national programme for preparing businesses for EU integration. Addressing the process, Rama said the government backs enterprises facing the …
Monday Briefing from the Balkans: July 6, 2026
Catch up on the weekend’s most important developments with Balkan Insight’s digest of news from countries across the region. Original post Here
Second phase of soft loan scheme opens, applications due by July 31, official says
TIRANA, July 6 – The second phase of the municipal soft loan scheme opened on July 1 after the completion of the first stage, a city official said. He said 2,500 applicants were approved in the first phase out of 4,909 applications. However, he added that several applicants were excluded …
TIRANA, July 15 – Albania will repeal the law on Strategic Investments and review the law on Protected Areas to align it with European Union standards, Prime Minister Edi Rama said. Rama made the statement during a press conference after the 9th Albania–EU Intergovernmental Conference. The prime minister said Albania …
TIRANA, July 15 – Albania will experience stable weather conditions on Tuesday, according to the Military Meteorological Service. Most of the country will see clear skies. However, northern and eastern mountainous areas may have occasional light to moderate clouds. Meanwhile, the weather will remain mostly clear after midday. Northern and …
TIRANA, July 15 – Albania is gaining international attention as an affordable summer destination, according to an article by Alba Sole Ingla published in the Catalan media outlet “El Nacional”. The article highlights Albania’s crystal-clear beaches, mountain landscapes, historical cities and rich gastronomy as key attractions for visitors seeking alternatives …
TIRANA, July 15 – Albania is on the right path in its European integration process, but the next phase will require intensive work, Socialist Party MP Romina Kuko said. Speaking on RTSH1’s “Trialog” programme hosted by Alba Alishani, Kuko said Albania successfully passed the first stage of negotiations with the …
TIRANA, July 15 – Albania has provisionally closed its first 3 European Union negotiation chapters: Chapter 25 on Science and Research, Chapter 26 on Education and Culture, and Chapter 30 on External Relations. Prime Minister Edi Rama shared footage from the 9th Albania–EU Intergovernmental Conference in Brussels and described it …
The Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sports inaugurated the artistic installation “Sounds That Speak” by artist Ergys Krisiko. The artwork previously won a grant from the “Heritage is Our Brand” programme, funded by the European Union and implemented by DMO Albania and the EU Policy Hub/Forum for Integration Policies in …
TIRANA, July 15 – Albania marks the anniversary of the death of patriot Çerçiz Topulli, who was executed by Montenegrin forces in Shkodër on July 15, 1915. Born in Gjirokastër, Topulli completed his early education in his hometown before continuing his studies in Ioannina. He later joined the Secret Committee …
TIRANA, July 15 – Albania collected 93.9 billion Albanian Lek (€939 million) in social security contributions during the first half of 2026, marking a 10.9% increase compared with the same period last year. According to data published by the Agency for Media and Information, several factors supported the growth. These …
TIRANA, July 15 – Defence Minister Ermal Nufi hosted a courtesy meeting with German Armed Forces Chief of Defence General Carsten Breuer during his official visit to Tirana. The two officials highlighted the strong relations between Albania and Germany in defence and security. They also praised Germany’s role as a …
TIRANA, July 15 – More than 41,000 farmers have applied for the 2026 National Support Scheme, which includes 12 support measures for the agriculture sector. Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Andis Salla met with farmers from Pogradec and Korça to discuss applications, sector challenges and financial support planned for …